A week-long gathering of more than 200 young scientist delegates  from 60 countries concluded on a highly successful note with a promise to resolve global challenges  faced by humanity by working together collaboratively with commitment. On the last day, the  leadership of twelve National Young Academies (NYAs) from the Asia-Pacific Region met with an  aim of reinforcing regional coordination, exchanging best practices, advancing science diplomacy,  capacity building and sustainable development. Through a series of deliberations, a common  consensus was achieved, which marked the landmark ‘Hyderabad Declaration on the Launch of the  Network of Asia-Pacific Young Academies (NAYA)’, which will serve as a regional collaborative  platform to Connect, Strengthen and Mentor early and mid-career researchers. Under the leadership  of Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), the following academies provided the  homogenous support to form the first of its kind network of young scientific academies of Asia Pacific  Region abbreviated NAYA - National Young Academy of Nepal (NAYAN), Young Scientist  Network (YSN-ASM) Malaysia, Vietnam Young Academy, Sri Lankan Academy of Young  Scientists (SLAYS), Royal Society of New Zealand ECR Forum, The Hong Kong Young Academy  of Sciences, Thai Young Scientists Academy (TYSA), Young Academy of Japan, Australian EMCR  Forum, World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) China and the Global Young Academy  (GYA). 

Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, stated, "IITH is honoured to host this prestigious  global gathering of emerging scientific leaders. The event beautifully reflects our vision of fostering  a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and inclusive research environment. By bringing together brilliant  minds from across the world, we have not only strengthened international scientific dialogue but also  reaffirmed our commitment to empowering young researchers to drive innovation for a better, more  sustainable future." 

On this occasion, Prof Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Immediate Past Co-Chair of Global Young  Academy and Former Chair of INYAS, said that “It’s a historic moment. The efforts started almost  five years back and I am so glad that it came to light today under the present leadership of INYAS.  This NAYA declaration will pave the way of seamless coordination among the young scientists in  Asia-Pacific region to have a broader impact on society at large. Prof Sharma thanked the  International Science Council for their continued support to realize this network” 

This development successfully wrapped up the Annual General Meeting of the Global Young  Academy (GYA) and International Conference of Young Scientists 2025, themed "Confluence of  Visionaries: Empowering Science for Global Change" scheduled from 08–14 June at the Indian  Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India while meeting all objectives successfully. The conference  began with pre-conference activities such as the Science Leadership Workshop for the newly elected  members, encouraging inclusive innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration and leadership  development. Thematic workshops covered inclusive research evaluation and the changing role of  science diplomacy in facing global challenges. The formal commencement included a ceremonial.

Inaugural in the august presence of Honorable Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan  along with other dignitaries. The conference witnessed symbolic tree plantation and high-level  plenaries on international innovation ecosystems and ESG frameworks. Participants also participated  in research presentations, GYA Activities Fair and thematic research sessions, an indication of the  Academy's dedication to diversified scientific discourse and knowledge sharing in collaboration. 

Throughout the week, sessions explored forward-looking topics like Industry 5.0, Nutrition and Well being and human-machine interaction, as internal GYA governance activities like Executive  Committee (EC) pitches and elections structured the Academy's next leadership. A cultural visit to  Golconda Fort and a formal reception at the Chowmahalla Palace provided rich cultural immersion  in India's heritage, while the Cultural Evening and Gala Dinner honoured international diversity and  intercultural understanding. Thematic discussions on foresight, interfaces between science and  society and engaging early- and mid-career researchers facilitated members to collectively develop  GYA's strategic direction. Committee meetings, important resolutions and formal EC handover were  the highlight of the week. In addition to the intellectual agenda, wellness activities like a 2K/5K  Crystal Run, Yoga and Zumba exemplified the holistic emphasis of GYA on well-being, camaraderie  and dynamic community building among young scientists globally.